System and Method for Assisted Construction

ABSTRACT

A system (20) and a method for assisting a user to build a construction (e.g. an image) (48) on a bead plate (2) that comprises a plurality of pins (6, 6′, 6″) protruding from a base portion (8) and configured to receive a bead (4, 4′, 4″). The system comprises an illumination device (10) configured to illuminate the pins (6, 6′, 6″) and thereby provide a number of illumination areas (12, 12″). The illumination device (10) comprises a control unit (64) configured to select a subset of the pins (6, 6′, 6″) to be illuminated by the illumination device (10).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. 111 of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2019/056478, filed Mar. 14, 2019, which claims the benefit of and priority to European Application No. 18165749.5, filed Apr. 4, 2018, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and a method for assisted construction by using a body structure such as a bead plate. The present invention also relates to a system comprising an improved body structure (e.g. a bead plate).

BACKGROUND

Plate construction is very popular among children. For decades children have been building images (constructions) on body structures such as bead plates (also known as pegboards) comprising a plurality of pins each protruding from a base portion. The pins are configured and arranged to receive a bead, however, positioning of the beads in the correct positions can be challenging for children.

Therefore, systems have been developed to assist users (typically children) in building an image on a bead plate comprising a plurality of pins each protruding from a base portion. It is, by way of example, known to apply digital systems for the purpose of assisting a user to build an image on a bead plate. This is done by fixing the bead plate to a tablet or another illumination device. When the bead plate has been fixed, the bead plate can be illuminated for the purpose of assisting the user to build an image on a bead plate.

It is, however, difficult to distinguish between colors that only differ slightly when using the prior art assisting systems. Therefore, the images typically apply colors that are easy to distinguish from each other.

Thus, there is a need for a system and a method which enables a more user-friendly assistance, and which reduces or even eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide a system that makes it possible to ease the construction process and makes it possible to build an image that requires building elements (e.g. beads, building structures or building bricks) of colors that only slightly differs from each other.

The system according to the invention is a system for assisting a user to build a construction on a body structure comprising a plurality of coupling structures arranged on a base portion and configured to receive a building element, wherein the system comprises an illuminator configured to provide illumination of at least a portion of the body structure and hereby provide a number of illumination areas, wherein the system comprises a control unit configured to be applied to select a subset of the coupling structures and initiate an illumination that enables a unique identification of the selected subset of the coupling structures to be established by means of the illumination. Hereby, it is possible to ease the construction process. Furthermore, it is possible to build an image that requires building elements (e.g. beads or building blocks) of colors and/or geometry and/or size that only slightly differ from each other.

The system is configured to assist a user during the construction process when an image/construction is made by using a body structure (e.g. a bead plate) comprising a plurality of coupling structures (e.g. pins or grooves) each arranged on a base portion and configured to receive a building element. In one embodiment, the body structure is a bead plate comprising a plurality of pins protruding from a base portion and configured to receive a bead. In another embodiment, the body structure is a plate or other body comprising a plurality of pins protruding from a base portion and configured to receive building blocks.

The system comprises an illuminator configured to provide illumination of at least a portion of the body structure and hereby provide a number of illumination areas, wherein the system comprises a control unit configured to be applied to select a subset of the coupling structures and initiate an illumination that enables a unique identification of the selected subset of the coupling structures to be established by means of the illumination. The illuminator may be an illumination device configured to provide illumination of at least a portion of the body structure. Alternatively, the illuminator may be a unit configured to apply externally provided light (e.g. to use a reflective display/screen)

The illuminator may be an illumination device configured to illuminate and/or change the degree of illumination of the coupling structures (e.g. pins or grooves) and hereby provide a number of illumination areas. The illuminator may be a illumination device such as a tablet, a smartphone, a computer or a dedicated electric device comprising a display unit configured to provide activated illumination areas in order to indicate the color of the bead(s) to be arranged in predefine position(s) indicated on a body structure (e.g. a bead plate).

By the term “illuminate” is meant: illuminate and/or change the degree of illumination.

The body structure may be any structure that comprises a plurality of coupling structures suitable of receiving a building element. The body structure may be a bead plate, a building brick plate or a plate provided with grooves for receiving objects. The coupling structures may be male structures provided as pins or female structure formed as receiving grooves.

It may be an advantage that the illumination device comprises a display unit configured to be brought into contact with the backside of a body structure (e.g. a bead plate). The illumination device may comprise fixing structures configured to detachably attach the body structure to the illumination device.

The illumination device comprises a control unit configured to be applied to select a subset of the coupling structures to be illuminated by the illumination device. This may be controlled by using a computer implemented program running on the control unit or a processing unit being controlled by the control unit.

In an embodiment, the system is configured to automatically shift illumination of coupling structure (from one color or subset of colors) when the process of arranging the building elements on or in the predefined coupling structure is accomplished. The accomplishment may be carried out by the user by using a user interface of the system.

The selection of a subset of the coupling structures to be illuminated by the illumination device may be controlled externally e.g. by using an application running on an external server, wherein the illumination device is connected to the external server.

The base portion may have any suitable shape. In one embodiment, the base portion is rectangular. In one embodiment, the base portion is square. In one embodiment, the base portion is triangular.

In one embodiment, the control unit is integrated in the illumination device.

In an embodiment, the system comprises an illumination device configured to illuminate the coupling structures (e.g. pins or grooves) and hereby provide a number of illumination areas, wherein the illumination device comprises a control unit configured to be applied to select a subset of the coupling structures (e.g. pins or grooves) to be illuminated by the illumination device.

It may be an advantage that the illuminator is configured to provide illumination of at least a portion of the body structure from below.

It may be an advantage that the control unit is configured to select the subset of the coupling structures (e.g. pins) to be illuminated by the illumination device in such a manner that the illumination device provides illumination areas of a first selection of colors not constituting all colors of the image.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a more user-friendly system that makes it possible to build an image that requires building elements of colors and/or geometry and/or size that only slightly differ from each other.

It may be beneficial that the control unit is configured to select the subset of the coupling structures (e.g. pins or grooves) to be illuminated and/or not to be illuminated and/or in which the degree of illumination has to be changed by the illumination device in such a manner that the illumination device provides illumination areas of a single color. This ensures that colors that are nearly identical can be used in an image and that the construction can be made by using the system.

It may be advantageous that the control unit is configured to receive feedback from the user, when the user has finished inserting building elements of a predefined group of colors or a single predefined color, wherein the control unit is configured to hereafter illuminate and/or change the degree of illumination of the coupling structures that has not been illuminated.

Hereby, it is possible to let the user interact thereby reducing the time between consecutive illumination steps (illumination of consecutive colors or consecutive subgroups of colors).

It may be an advantage that the system comprises a body structure (e.g. a bead plate or a building block plate or a plate having grooves) having a plurality of segments configured to be detachably attached to each other.

It may be an advantage that the body structure has a plurality of segments configured to be detachably attached to each other.

Hereby, it is possible to join segments to form a larger body structure (e.g. a bead plate).

It may be advantageous that the segments each comprise a plurality of attachment structures extending in extension of the base portion of the segment. Hereby, it is possible to provide a reliable attachment of adjacent segments in an easy manner.

It may be beneficial that the attachment structures of the segments are positioned in side by side manner, in which a space is provided between adjacent attachment structures. Such construction may ease the joining process.

It may be an advantage that each attachment structure comprises a side structure and that an angled portion is provided at each side structure of each of the attachment structures. Hereby, the joining process (attaching adjacent segments to each other) is eased.

It may be beneficial that every second attachment structure is arranged in a higher level than the remaining attachment structures of a segment. Hereby, the attachment structure positioned in a higher level of a segment is configured to be engagingly attached to the corresponding attachment structure positioned in a lower level of the adjacent segment.

It may be advantageous that each of the attachment structures comprises an engagement portion configured to engage with a corresponding engagement portion of an attachment structure of an adjacent segment by means of the attachment structures. Hereby, the engagement portion of the attachment structure of a segment will engage with the engagement portion of the attachment structure of an adjacent segment.

It may be an advantage that each of the attachment structures comprises a flat portion provided next to the engagement portion. It may be advantageous that the engagement portion protrudes from the bead plate (along the normal axis of the bead plate). Hereby, a better grip can be provided between engaging engagement portions.

It may be beneficial that each segment is quadrangular, preferably rectangular (e.g. square) and that four attachment structures are provided on each side of each segment.

It may be an advantage that the length of adjacent attachment structures differs.

It may be advantageous that the attachment structures are grouped into two groups of equal length, wherein the length of the shortest attachment structures is smaller than the length of the long attachment structures.

Hereby, it is, as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B as well as FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, possible to slide a segment into engagement with segments already being attached to each other.

It may be an advantage that the body structure is a bead plate that comprises pins provided with edge portions configured to provide a radially directed force towards (the inside portion of) a bead when the bead is being attached to the pin. This can be done whenever the diameter of the pin is larger than the diameter of the hole in the bead.

It may be advantageous that the pins comprise a base portion, wherein the edge portions extend in extension of the base portion.

The base portion may have a basically triangular cross section or a basically rectangular cross section.

It may be an advantage that the body structure (e.g. a bead plate) is provided with a positioning unit configured to keep the body structure in a fixed position and orientation relative to the illumination device.

It may be advantageous that the positioning unit is provided as an anti-slip structure provided at the bottom end of the body structure (e.g. a bead plate or a building brick plate).

It may be beneficial that the positioning unit is a mat attached to the body structure (e.g. a bead plate) or configured to be attached to the body structure, wherein the mat is configured to provide a friction large enough to maintain the mat and thus the body structure in a fixed position and orientation relative to the illumination device.

It may be advantageous that the positioning unit is a coating attached to the body structure (e.g. a bead plate or a building brick plate) and configured to provide a friction large enough to maintain the coating and thus the body structure in a fixed position and orientation relative to the illumination device.

It may be beneficial that a plurality of holes is provided in the positioning unit, wherein the holes are arranged in such a manner that light from the illumination device can illuminate the coupling structures (e.g. pins or grooves) through the holes.

The method according to the invention is a method for assisting a user to build a construction on a body structure comprising a plurality of coupling structures arranged on a base portion and configured to receive a building element, wherein the method comprises the step of applying an illuminator to illuminate at least a portion of the body structure and/or change the degree of illumination of at least a portion of the body structure and hereby provide a number of illumination areas, wherein the method comprises the steps of selecting a subset of the coupling structures and illuminating at least a portion of the body structure and hereby enabling a unique identification of the selected subset of the coupling structures.

Hereby, it is possible to ease the construction process. Furthermore, it is possible to build an image that requires building elements of colors and/or size and/or geometry that only slightly differ from each other.

It may be advantageous that the method comprises the step of selecting the at least one portion of the body structure to be illuminated by the illuminator in such a manner that the illuminator provides illumination areas of a first selection of colors not constituting all colors and/or size and/or geometry of the image. Hereby, it is possible provide a more user-friendly system that makes it possible to build an image that requires building elements of colors and/or size and/or geometry that only slightly differ from each other.

It may be beneficial that the method comprises the step of selecting the subset of the coupling structures to be illuminated by the illuminator in such a manner that the illuminator provides illumination areas of a single color. This ensures that colors that are nearly identical can be used in an image and that the construction can be made by using the system.

The method may comprise the step of applying an illumination device to illuminate the coupling structures and/or change the degree of illumination of the coupling structures and hereby provide a number of illumination areas, wherein the method comprises the following step of selecting a subset of the coupling structures to be illuminated by the illumination device.

It may be an advantage that the method comprises the step of selecting the subset of the coupling structures to be illuminated by the illumination device in such a manner that the illumination device provides illumination areas of a first selection of colors not constituting all colors of the image.

It may be advantageous that the method comprises the step of selecting the subset of the coupling structures to be illuminated by the illumination device in such a manner that the illumination device provides illumination areas of a single color.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective top view of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 2A shows a system according to the invention in a configuration, in which the position of a first predefined color is indicated on a plurality of pins of a bead plate by illuminating the bead plate by means of an illumination device arranged below the bead plate;

FIG. 2B shows the system shown in FIG. 2A, in a configuration, in which beads of a first predefined color have been attached to the pins of the bead plate, while the bead plate is being illuminated by means of the illumination device;

FIG. 2C shows the system shown in FIG. 2B, in a configuration, in which the position of a second predefined color is indicated on a plurality of pins of the bead plate by illuminating the bead plate by means of the illumination device arranged below the bead plate;

FIG. 2D shows the system shown in FIG. 2C, in a configuration, in which beads of a second predefined color have been attached to the pins of the bead plate, while the bead plate is being illuminated by means of the illumination device;

FIG. 3A shows the system shown in FIG. 2D, in a configuration, in which the position of a third predefined color is indicated on a plurality of pins of the bead plate by illuminating the bead plate by means of the illumination device arranged below the bead plate;

FIG. 3B shows the system shown in FIG. 3A, in a configuration, in which beads of a third predefined color have been attached to the pins of the bead plate, while the bead plate is being illuminated by means of the illumination device;

FIG. 3C shows the system shown in FIG. 3B, in a configuration, in which the bead plate has been removed from the illumination device;

FIG. 4A shows a first segment of bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a second segment the bead plate shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the segment shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D shows a cross-sectional view of the segment shown in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5A shows a top view of the segments shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5B shows a cross-section of the segments shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A shows a view of a segmented bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 6B shows the segmented bead plate shown in FIG. 6A in a configuration in which the remaining segment has been detachably attached to the joined segments;

FIG. 7A shows a view of a segmented bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 7B shows the segmented bead plate shown in FIG. 7A in a configuration in which the remaining segment has been detachably attached to the joined segments;

FIG. 8A shows a perspective top view of a section of a bead plate of the invention provided with a pin protruding from the flat structure of the bead plate;

FIG. 8B sows a perspective view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8A in a configuration, in which the bead has been attached to the pin;

FIG. 8C shows a cross-sectional view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8B;

FIG. 8D shows a side view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8E shows a side view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8B;

FIG. 8F shows a side view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8C;

FIG. 8G shows a top view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8F;

FIG. 9A shows a perspective top view of a bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 9B shows a perspective bottom view of the bead plate shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C shows a perspective top view of a bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 9D shows a perspective bottom view of the bead plate shown in FIG. 9C;

FIG. 10A shows a top view of a section of a bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of the section shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of a section of a bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 11B shows a perspective view of a section of another bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 11C shows a perspective view of a section of another bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 11D shows a perspective view of a section of a bead plate according to the invention;

FIG. 11E shows a top view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11F shows a top view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 11B;

FIG. 11G shows a top view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 11C;

FIG. 11H shows a top view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 11D;

FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of a section of a body structure (formed as a bead plate) according to the invention;

FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of a section of a body structure (formed as a bead plate) according to the invention having conical pins;

FIG. 12C shows a perspective view of a section of a body structure according to the invention provided with a plurality of grooves;

FIG. 12D shows a perspective view of a section of a body structure (formed as a plate having receiving pins adapted to receive a building block having corresponding receiving structures) according to the invention;

FIG. 13A shows a perspective top view of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 13B shows a perspective top view of another system according to the invention;

FIG. 14A shows a perspective top view of a two-piece system according to the invention in a disassembled configuration;

FIG. 14B shows a perspective top view of the system shown in FIG. 14A in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 15A shows a top view of a section of a body structure (formed as a plate having receiving pins adapted to receive a building block having corresponding receiving structures) according to the invention, in a configuration in which two pins are illuminated from below;

FIG. 15B shows the section of a body structure shown in FIG. 15A, in a configuration in which three other pins are illuminated from below;

FIG. 15C shows the section of a body structure shown in FIG. 15B, in a configuration in which two pins are illuminated from below, wherein the illumination passes through a building brick attached to the body structure;

FIG. 15D shows the section of a body structure shown in FIG. 15C, in a configuration in which a single pin is illuminated from below, wherein the illumination passes through two building brick layers attached to the body structure;

FIG. 16A shows a section of a body structure provided with an illuminated pin;

FIG. 16B shows a section of a body structure provided with a pin, in which the central portion of the pin is illuminated;

FIG. 16C shows a section of a body structure provided with a pin, in which the area surrounding the pin is illuminated;

FIG. 16D shows a section of a body structure provided with a pin, in which a ring enclosing the pin is illuminated; and

FIG. 16E shows a section of a body structure provided with indicators adapted to indicate the position of a pin to receive a bead.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the present invention, a system 20 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The system 20 is a system configured to indicate the positions of building elements formed as beads 4 on a body structure formed as a bead plate 2 in order to build a predefined image like the heart shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C.

The system 20 comprises an illumination device 10 having a display portion provided with (or configured to be brought into a configuration, in which the display portion is provided with) a number of activated illumination areas 12, 12″ wherein each activated illumination area 12, 12″ emits light and thus provides an illumination 14. For simplicity, only one illumination 14 is shown, however, in practice, all activated illumination areas 12, 12″ will emit light and thus provide illumination 14. The illumination areas 12, 12″ can be activated by using the illumination device 10. In an embodiment, the illumination device 10 comprises a control unit 64 configured to select where to provide illumination areas 12, 12″ of a first color (e.g. red) or a first selection of colors (e.g. yellow and blue). In an embodiment, the illumination device 10 comprises an interface by which it is possible to read instructions and/or to select among options provided in a menu or to enter values, instructions or text.

In one embodiment, the illumination device 10 is configured to provide illumination 14 of a predefined color, preferably corresponding to the color of the bead(s) to be arranged in the position(s) indicated on a bead plate 2 arranged above illumination device 10.

In another embodiment, the illumination device 10 is configured to provide illumination 14 of white light (a combination of lights of different wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum). In this embodiment the illumination device 10 is configured to indicate the color of bead(s) to be arranged in the position(s) indicated on a bead plate 2 arranged above illumination device 10 by other means (e.g. text or sound such as “Please, place blue beads into the illuminated pins”).

The user may download an image from an internal source such a local storage 46 of the illumination device 10, from an external source such as a server 40 in a manner that includes communication 39, 39′ between the illumination device 10 and the server 40 or from the Internet 42 in a manner that includes communication 38, 38′ between the illumination device 10 and the Internet 42. Besides, communication 37 may be carried out between the server 40 and the Internet 42.

The illumination device 10 may be a tablet, a smartphone, a computer or a dedicated electric device comprising a display unit configured to provide activated illumination areas 12, 12″ in order to indicate the color of the bead(s) to be arranged in predefine position(s) indicated on a bead plate 2 arranged above illumination device 10.

In FIG. 1 a transparent bead plate 2 is arranged above the illumination device 10. The bead plate 2 is intended to be arranged on the display unit (top portion) of the illumination device 10 in a fixed and predefined manner, so that the position of the activated illumination areas 12, 12″ can be used to indicate the color of the bead(s) to be arranged in predefine position(s) indicated on a bead plate 2 arranged above illumination device 10. Accordingly, it is required to know the position of the pins 6 of the bead plate 2 and the position at which the bead plate 2 is attached to/arranged on the illumination device 10. In an embodiment, the illumination device 10 comprises an indication structure 44 indicating the position, at which the bead plate 2 is required to be attached to/arranged on the illumination device 10.

The bead plate 2 comprises a flat structure 8, from which a plurality of pins 6 protrudes. The pins 6 are configured to receive beads (see FIG. 2B).

FIG. 2A illustrates a system 20 according to the invention in a configuration, in which the positions of a first predefined color (the pins 6 at which red beads have to be attached on the body structure formed as a bead plate 2 arranged on the illumination device 10) is indicated on a plurality of coupling elements formed as pins 6 of the bead plate 2 by illumination of the bead plate 2 by means of an illumination device 10 arranged below the bead plate 2.

The bead plate 2 comprises a flat structure 8 formed as a transparent planar plate. A plurality of pins 6 protrudes from the flat structure 8. The longitudinal axes of the pins 6 extend perpendicular to the plane along which the flat structure 8 extends.

Since the system 20 enables a single color to be indicated by means of the illumination device 10, the system allows colors that only slightly differ to be used when constructing an image. This approach is not possible if all colors are indicated at one time. Accordingly, it is a major advantage that the system 20 and the method according to the invention enables selection of a subset of colors to be indicated by means of the illumination device 10. This subset of colors may be a single color (e.g. a blue color, a red color, a green color or another predefined color). The subset of colors may include several colors (e.g. red and blue, green and purple or orange, pink and green).

FIG. 2B illustrates the system 20 shown in FIG. 2A, in a configuration, in which building elements formed as beads 4 of a first predefined color have been attached to the pins of the bead plate 2, while the bead plate 2 is being illuminated by means of the illumination device 10.

FIG. 2C illustrates the system 20 shown in FIG. 2B, in a configuration, in which the position of a second predefined color is indicated on a plurality of the coupling elements formed as pins 6′ (not being illuminated in FIG. 2A) of the bead plate 2. This indication is made by illuminating the bead plate 2 by means of the illumination device 10 arranged below the bead plate 2. In an embodiment, the bead plate 2 is provided with a positioning unit (not shown) configured to keep the bead plate 2 in a fixed position and orientation relative to the illumination device 10. The positioning unit may be provided as an anti-slip structure provided at the bottom end of the bead plate 2. The anti-slip structure may be provided as a mat providing a friction large enough to maintain the mat and thus the bead plate 2 in a fixed position and orientation relative to the illumination device 10.

Instead of indicating only a single color by means of the illumination device 10, it is possible to indicate a group of colors defining a subset of the colors of the image to be constructed by using the bead plate 2. This may be done, e.g. by illuminating a plurality of pins 6′ of the bead plate 2 by means of the illumination device 10.

FIG. 2D illustrates the system 20 shown in FIG. 2C, in a configuration, in which building elements formed as beads 4′ of a second predefined color have been attached to the pins of the bead plate 2, while the bead plate 2 is being illuminated by means of the illumination device 10.

FIG. 3A illustrates the system 20 shown in FIG. 2D, in a configuration, in which the position of a third predefined color is indicated on a plurality of coupling structures formed as pins 6″ of the body structure formed as a bead plate 2 by illuminating these pins 6″ by means of the illumination device 10, onto which the bead plate 2 is arranged. It can be seen that the beads 4 of the first color and the beads 4′ of the second color are maintained in their position, onto which they were arranged as explained with reference to FIG. 2D.

FIG. 3B illustrates the system 20 shown in FIG. 3A, in a configuration, in which beads 4″ of a third predefined color have been attached to the remaining pins (indicated with reference number 6″ in FIG. 3A) of the bead plate 2, while the bead plate 2 is being illuminated by means of the illumination device 10.

FIG. 3C illustrates the system 20 shown in FIG. 3B, in a configuration, in which the bead plate 2 has been removed from the illumination device 10. The beads 4, 4′, 4″ arranged on the bead plate 2 constitute a construction (e.g. an image) 48 of a heart. The beads 4, 4′, 4″ may now be heated e.g. by means of a flat iron in order to join the beads 4, 4′, 4″. It may be an advantage to use a flat bottom iron.

It can be seen that the illumination device 10 has a plurality of activated illumination areas 12″ each emitting light and thus provides an illumination that assisted the user to position the beads 4″ in the pins (6″ shown in FIG. 3A).

FIG. 4A illustrates a first segment 22 of bead plate 2 according to the invention, whereas FIG. 4B illustrates a second segment 22′ of the bead plate 2 shown in FIG. 4A. The first segment 22 is configured to be attached to the second segment 22′. FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the segment 22 shown in FIG. 4A, whereas FIG. 4D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the segment 22′ shown in FIG. 4B.

The first segment 22 and the second segment 22′ each comprises a flat structure provided with pins (not shown for reasons of simplicity). The segments 22, 22′ have a rectangular body portion having a first side length L₃ and a second side length L₄. In one embodiment, the first side length L₃ corresponds to the second side length L₄.

In another embodiment, the first side length L₃ differs from the second side length L₄.

The first segment 22 is provided with attachment structures 16, 16′ extending in extension of the rectangular body portion of the first segment 22. The attachment structures 16, 16′ are positioned in a side by side manner, in which a space is provided between adjacent attachment structures 16, 16′. An angled portion 28, 28′ is provided at each side structure of each of the attachment structures 16, 16′.

In FIG. 4C it can be seen that every second attachment structure 16 is arranged in a higher level than the remaining attachment structures 16′. Likewise, in FIG. 4D it can be seen that every second attachment structure 18 is arranged in a higher level than the remaining attachment structures 18′. Each of the attachment structures 16, 16′, 18, 18′ comprises an engagement portion 32, 32′ configured to engage with a corresponding engagement portion 32, 32′ of an attachment structure 16, 16′, 18, 18′ of the adjacent segment 22, 22′ that is attached by means of the attachment structures 16, 16′, 18, 18′.

Each of the attachment structures 16, 16′, 18, 18′ comprises a flat portion 34, 34′ provided next to the engagement portion 32, 32′. The attachment structure 16 (positioned in a high level) of the segment 22 shown in FIG. 4C is configured to be engagingly attached to the corresponding attachment structure 18′ (positioned in a low level) of the segment 22′. Accordingly, the engagement portion 32 of the attachment structure 16 of the segment 22 will engage with the engagement portion 32′ of the attachment structure 18′ of the segment 22′.

The length L₁ of the short attachment structures 16′, 18′ is smaller than the length L₂ of the long attachment structures 16, 18. Hereby, it is, as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B as well as FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, possible to slide a segment 22′″ into engagement with segments 22, 22′, 22″ already being attached to each other.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of the segments 22, 22′ shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in a configuration, in which the segments 22, 22′ of a bead plate 2 are joined (detachably attached to each other). FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-section of the segments 22, 22′ shown in FIG. 5A. The longitudinal axis X, the lateral axis Y as well as the normal axis Z of the second segment 22′ are indicated in FIG. 5A.

The engagement portion 32 of the attachment structure 16 of the first segment 22 is brought into locking engagement with the corresponding engagement portion 32′ of the attachment structure 18′ of the second segment 22′. The longitudinal axis and the normal axis Z of the second segment 22′ are indicated in FIG. 5B. It can be seen that the attachment structure 16 of the first segment 22 of the bead plate 2 can be brought out of engagement with the attachment structure 18′ of the second segment 22′ of the bead plate 2 by moving the attachment structure 16 along the normal axis Z of the second segment 22′.

FIG. 6A illustrates a view of a segmented bead plate 2 according to the invention. The bead plate 2 comprises four segments 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″ shaped as the segments shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, FIG. 4D, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. In an embodiment, the segments 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″ are equally shaped in order to reduce the number of tools for manufacturing the segments 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″. The segments 22, 22′, 22″ are already joined (detachably attached to each other), whereas the remaining segment 22′″ is ready to be attached to the segments 22, 22″.

In FIG. 6B, the segment 22′″ has been detachably attached to the segments 22, 22″. Accordingly, the bead plate 2 is assembled and comprises four segments 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″ being attached to each other. It can be seen that an aperture 36 is provided at the central portion of the bead plate 2 at the position at which all four segments 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″ are attached to each other.

FIG. 7A illustrates a view of a segmented bead plate 2 according to the invention. The bead plate 2 comprises four segments 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″ shaped as the segments corresponding to the ones shown in FIG. 6A. The segments 22, 22′, 22″ are already joined (detachably attached to each other), whereas the remaining segment 22′″ is ready to be attached to the segments 22, 22″. The segment 22″ comprises attachment structures 16, 16′, wherein the segment 22′″ comprises corresponding attachment structures 18, 18′ configured to be detachably attached to the attachment structures 16, 16′ of the segment 22″ in a manner as explained with reference to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B.

In FIG. 7B, the segment 22′″ has been detachably attached to the segments 22, 22″. Therefore, the bead plate 2 is in an assembled configuration, in which the four segments 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″ are attached to each other.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective top view of a section of a bead plate of the invention provided with a pin 6 protruding from the flat structure 8 of the bead plate. A bead 4 provided with a centrally arranged hole 24 is arranged above the pin 6. The diameter D₁ of the hole 24 is smaller than the diameter D₂ of the pin 6. The pin 6 comprises a base portion 50 having a basically triangular cross section and three edge portions 52 extending in extension of the base portion 50. The edge portions 52 are configured to provide a radially directed force (F see FIG. 8C) towards the bead 4 when being attached to the bead 4 because the diameter D₂ of the pin 6 is larger than the diameter D₁ of the hole 24. The pin 6 comprises a top portion 54.

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the section of the bead plate 2 shown in FIG. 8A in a configuration, in which the bead 4 has been attached to the pin 6.

FIG. 8C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8B. It can be seen that the edge portions of the pin 6 provide a radially directed force F to the inside structure of the bead 4. Accordingly, the bead 4 is radially deformed to form broadened portions 56.

FIG. 8D illustrates a side view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8E illustrates a side view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8B and FIG. 8F illustrates a side view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8C. FIG. 8G illustrates a top view of the section of the bead plate shown in FIG. 8F. In an embodiment, the beads 4 are selected in such a manner that the inside diameter D₁ of the hole 24 is smaller than the diameter D₂ of the pin 6.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective top view of a bead plate 2 according to the invention. The bead plate 2 comprises a flat structure 8 provided with a plurality of pins 6 protruding therefrom. The pins 6 are shaped as the pin illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective bottom view of the bead plate 2 shown in FIG. 9A. It can be seen that the backside of the flat structure is provided with coating 58. This coating 58 is preferably made in any suitable high friction coating material, e.g. a rubber material. The coating 58 may e.g. be a silicone rubber or a synthetic rubber such as polychloroprene (neoprene) or acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. A plurality of holes 62 are provided in the coating 58. These holes 62 are arranged so that light from an illumination device (see FIG. 1) can illuminate the pins 6 (shown in FIG. 9A) through the holes 62.

FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective top view of a bead plate 2 according to the invention. The bead plate 2 comprises a flat structure 8 and a plurality of pins 6 protruding therefrom. The pins 6 are shaped as the pin illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9D illustrates a perspective bottom view of the bead plate 2 shown in FIG. 9C. It can be seen that the backside of the flat structure is provided with a mat 60. The mat 60 is preferably made of any suitable high friction material, e.g. a rubber material. The mat 60 may be made from silicone rubber or a synthetic rubber such as polychloroprene (neoprene) or acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. A plurality of holes 62′ are provided in the mat 60. These holes 62′ are positioned in a manner, in which light from an illumination device (see FIG. 1) is capable of illuminating the pins 6 (shown in FIG. 9C) through the holes 62′.

FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of a section of a bead plate 2 according to the invention. FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective view of the section shown in FIG. 10A. The bead plate 2 comprises a flat structure 8 provided with a plurality of pins 6. Beads 4 are attached to a selection of the pins. The pins 6 are shaped as the one shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of a section of a bead plate 2 according to the invention. FIG. 11E illustrates a top view of the section of the bead plate 2 shown in FIG. 11A. The bead plate 2 comprises a flat structure 8 provided with a pin 6 having a basically rectangular base portion 50 and edge portions 52 extending in extension of the base portion 50. The pin 6 comprises a rectangular top portion 54.

FIG. 11B illustrates a perspective view of a section of another bead plate 2 according to the invention. FIG. 11F illustrates a top view of the section of the bead plate 2 shown in FIG. 11B. The bead plate 2 comprises a flat structure 8 provided with a pin 6 having a basically triangular base portion 50 and edge portions 52 extending in extension of the base portion 50. The pin 6 comprises a triangular top portion 54.

FIG. 11C illustrates a perspective view of a section of another bead plate 2 according to the invention. FIG. 11G illustrates a top view of the section of the bead plate 2 shown in FIG. 11C. The bead plate 2 comprises a flat structure 8 provided with a pin 6 having a basically square base portion 50 and edge portions 52 extending in extension of the base portion 50. The pin 6 comprises a square top portion 54.

FIG. 11D illustrates a perspective view of a section of another bead plate 2 according to the invention. FIG. 11H illustrates a top view of the section of the bead plate 2 shown in FIG. 11D. The bead plate 2 comprises a flat structure 8 provided with a pin 6 having a base portion 50 having a cross section that basically corresponds to a square provided with a circle in each corner and edge portions 52 extending in extension of the base portion 50. The pin 6 comprises a square top portion 54.

FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of a section of a body structure 2 according to the invention. The body structure 2 is formed as a bead plate 2 comprising a planar plate member having an upper flat structure 8. The body structure 2 comprises a plurality of pins 6 protruding from the flat structure 8. The pins 6 are evenly distributed on the flat structure 8. The pins 6 have a geometry corresponding to the pin shown in FIG. 11B. It is, however, possible to use pins of a different geometry. Two beads 4′ have already been attached to pins 6 of the bead plate 2. One additional bead 4 is arranged above the bead plate 2 and can be attached to one of the remaining pins 6 when a light-based signal indicates to which pin 6 the bead 4 is intended to be attached.

FIG. 12B illustrates a perspective view of a section of a body structure 2 according to the invention that is provided with conical pins 6 protruding from a flat structure 8 of the body structure 2. The pins 6 are evenly distributed on the flat structure 8. Two cylindrical objects formed as beads 4′ provided with a through-going bore have already been attached to pins 6 of the body structure 2. One additional bead 4 having a through-going bore is arranged above the body structure 2 and can be attached to one of the remaining pins 6 when a light-based signal indicates to which pin 6 the bead 4 is intended to be attached.

FIG. 12C illustrates a perspective view of a section of a basically plate-shaped body structure 2 according to the invention provided with a plurality of grooves 5, 5′. The grooves 5, 5′ have a semi-spherical shape and are evenly distributed on a flat structure 8 of the body structure 2. The grooves 5, 5′ are configured to receive building structures 7, 7′ having a substantially spherical geometry. Two ball-shaped building structures 7′ are already positioned in and hereby received by grooves 5, 5′ of the body structure 2. One additional ball-shaped building structure 7 is arranged above the body structure 2 and can be put into one of the remaining grooves 5, 5′ when a light-based signal indicates into which groove 5, 5′ the ball-shaped building structure 7 is intended to be arranged.

FIG. 12D illustrates a perspective view of a section of a body structure 2 according to the invention. The body structure 2 is formed as a plate having receiving pins 6 adapted to receive building blocks 9, 9′ having corresponding receiving structures (not shown). The pins 6 protrude from a flat structure 8 of the body structure 2. Two building blocks 9′ have been attached to the receiving pins 6 of the body structure 2. One additional building block 9 is arranged above the body structure 2 and is ready to be attached to the body structure 2. The invention makes it possible to use a light-based signal to indicate where to attach the building block 9. Hereby, the user can be assisted to build complex structures. The building blocks 9, 9′ may be transparent and thus it is possible to construct several layers (more building blocks 9′ put on the top of each other) by using the invention.

FIG. 13A illustrates a perspective top view of a system 20 according to the invention. The system 20 comprises a body structure 2 having a flat structure 8 and a plurality of pins 6 protruding therefrom. The system 20 comprises a built-in (integrated) illumination device having a display portion provided with (or configured to be brought into a configuration, in which the display portion is provided with) a number of activated illumination areas (that may be arranged below the pins 6) that are configured to be activated and inactivated hereby either increasing or decreasing the amount of light 14 emitted by the illumination areas. Thus, the system 20 can change the degree of illumination 14. For simplicity, only one illumination 14 is shown, however, in practice, all activated illumination areas are configured to emit light and thus provide illumination 14.

Indication of the pins 6 to which a bead or another building structure is intended to be attached can be indicated by providing an illumination 14, increasing the illumination 14, decreasing the illumination 14 or removing the illumination 14 (e.g. if the remaining pins are still illuminated).

It is possible to have an illumination device (not shown) that is configured to provide illumination 14 of a predefined color, preferably corresponding to the color of the bead(s) or other building structures to be arranged in the position(s) indicated on the body structure 2. The illumination device may be configured to provide illumination 14 of white light (a combination of lights of different wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum). In this embodiment the illumination device may be configured to indicate the color of a bead(s) or other building structures to be arranged in the position(s) indicated on the body structure 2 by other means (e.g. text or sound such as “Please, place blue beads onto the illuminated pins”). The body structure 2 is provided with storage 46 and a control unit 64 that may be used in the same manner as explained with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 13B illustrates a perspective top view of another system 20 according to the invention. The system 20 basically corresponds to the system 20 shown in FIG. 13A. The system 20 in FIG. 13A, however, comprises two separate components: 1) a body structure 2 having a flat structure 8 and a plurality of pins 6 protruding therefrom and a built-in illumination device having a display portion provided with a number of activated illumination areas (that may be arranged below the pins 6) that are configured to be activated and inactivated hereby either increasing or decreasing the amount of light 14 emitted by the illumination areas and 2) a control structure 66 comprising storage 46 and a control unit 64. The control structure 66 is configured to communicate wirelessly with a communication module (not shown) of the body structure 2. Accordingly, wireless signals 38 can be sent to the body structure 2 by the control structure 66 and the control structure 66 can receive wireless signals 38 sent by the communication module of the body structure 2.

FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective top view of a two-piece system 20 according to the invention in a disassembled configuration. FIG. 14B illustrates a perspective top view of the system 20 shown in FIG. 14A in an assembled configuration.

The system 20 basically corresponds to the system shown in FIG. 13B. The system 20 in FIG. 14A, however, comprises a body structure 2 provided with a socket structure 68, whereas the control structure 66 comprises a plug 70 configured to electrically connect the control structure 66 to the body structure 2 by inserting the plug 70 into the socket structure 66. Accordingly, communication between the body structure 2 and the control structure 66 is conducted using a wired connection by means of the plug 70.

FIG. 15A illustrates a top view of a section of a body structure 2 (formed as a plate having receiving pins 6, 6′ adapted to receive a building block having corresponding receiving structures) according to the invention, in a configuration in which two pins 6, 6′ are illuminated from below. Accordingly, illumination 14 is visible through the pins 6, 6′ and the user knows that a building brick has to be attached to the two illuminated pins 6, 6′.

FIG. 15B illustrates the section of a body structure 2 shown in FIG. 15A, in a configuration in which three other pins 6, 6′ are illuminated from below. A first building brick 9′ has been attached to the pins illuminated in FIG. 15A. Another building brick 9 is arranged above the body structure 2. This other building brick is to be attached to three illuminated pins 6, 6′.

FIG. 15C illustrates the section of a body structure 2 shown in FIG. 15B, in a configuration in which two pins are illuminated from below, wherein the illumination passes through a building brick 9 attached to the body structure 2. The building brick 9 has been attached to the pins illuminated in FIG. 15B. An additional building brick 9″ is arranged above the body structure 2 and is ready to be attached to two illuminated pins of the building brick 9. This can be accomplished by using transparent or semi-transparent building blocks 9.

FIG. 15D illustrates the section of a body structure 2 shown in FIG. 15C, in a configuration in which a single pin is illuminated from below, wherein the illumination passes through two building bricks 9, 9″. An additional building brick 9′″ is arranged above the body structure 2 and is ready to be attached to an illuminated pin of the uppermost building brick 9″.

FIG. 16A illustrates a section of a body structure 2 provided with an illuminated pin 6. The body structure 2 is a bead plate 2 provided with pins 6 protruding from a flat structure of the bead plate 2. A bead 4 is arranged above the illumination 14 of the bead plate 2. The entire pin 6 is illuminated.

FIG. 16B illustrates a section of a body structure 2 provided with a pin 6, in which the central portion of the pin 6 is illuminated. The illumination 14 is enough to enable a unique identification of the selected subset of the pins 6.

FIG. 16C illustrates a section of a body structure 2 provided with a pin 6, in which the area surrounding the pin 6 is illuminated. Accordingly, a large and clear illumination 14 is provided. Thus, it is possible to identify the pin 6 that has to receive a bead 4 arranged above the bead plate 2.

FIG. 16D illustrates a section of a body structure 2 provided with a pin 6, in which a ring enclosing the pin 6 is illuminated. The illumination 14 is enough to enable a unique identification of the selected subset of the pins 6 and thus identify the pin 6 that has to receive a bead 4 arranged above the bead plate 2.

FIG. 16E illustrates a section of a body structure 2 provided with indicators 15, 15′ adapted to indicate the position of a pin 6 to receive a bead 4 arranged above the bead plate 2.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   2 Bead plate -   4, 4′, 4″ Bead -   5, 5′ Groove -   6, 6′, 6″ Pin -   7, 7′ Building structure -   8 Flat structure -   9, 9′, 9″, 9′″ Building brick -   10 Illumination device -   12, 12″ Illumination area -   14 Illumination -   15, 15′ Indicator -   16, 16′ Attachment structure -   18, 18′ Attachment structure -   20 System -   22, 22′, 22″, 22′″ Segment -   24 Hole -   25 Notch -   26, 26′ Angled portion -   28, 28′ Angled portion -   32, 32′ Engagement portion -   34, 34′ Flat portion -   36 Aperture -   37, 38, 38′, 39, 39′ Communication -   40 External server -   42 Internet -   44 Indication structure -   46 Storage -   48 Construction -   50 Base portion -   52 Edge portion -   54 Top portion -   56, 56′ Broadened portion -   58 Coating -   60 Mat -   62, 62′ Hole -   64 Control unit -   66 Control structure -   68 Socket structure -   70 Plug -   L₁, L₂, L₃, L₄ Length -   X, Y, Z Axis -   F Force -   D₁, D₂ Diameter 

1. A system for assisting a user to build a construction, the system comprising: a body structure having a plurality of coupling structures arranged on a base portion of the body structure and configured to receive a building element; an illuminator configured to provide illumination of at least a portion of the body structure, thereby providing a number of illumination areas; and a control unit configured to select a subset of the coupling structures and initiate an illumination that enables a unique identification of the selected subset of the coupling structures.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the illuminator is configured to provide illumination of at least a portion of the body structure from below.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the body structure is a bead plate, the coupling structures are pins protruding from the base portion of the bead plate, and the building element is a bead.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body structure is a bead plate, the coupling structures are pins protruding from the base portion of the bead plate, and the building element is a bead.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the illuminator comprises the control unit.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to select the subset of the coupling structures to be illuminated by the illuminator such that the illuminator provides illumination areas of a first selection of color(s) not constituting all colors and/or size and/or geometry of the image.
 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first selection of color(s) is a single color.
 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to receive feedback from a user.
 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to illuminate coupling structures that have not been previously illuminated after receiving feedback from the user.
 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to change the degree of illumination of at least a portion of the body structure.
 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body structure has a plurality of segments configured to be detachably attached to each other.
 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein each segment of the plurality of segments comprises a plurality of attachment structures extending from a base portion of the segment.
 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body structure comprises pins provided with edge portions configured to provide a radially directed force towards the building element when the building element is being attached to a pin.
 14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body structure is provided with a positioning unit configured to keep the body structure in a fixed position and orientation relative to the illuminator.
 15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the building element is transparent such that illumination may be transmitted through the building element.
 16. A method for assisting a user to build a construction, the method comprising the steps of: providing a body structure having a plurality of coupling structures arranged on a base portion of the body structure and configured to receive a building element; selecting a subset of the coupling structures; and illuminating at least a portion of the body structure to enable a unique identification of the selected subset of the coupling structures.
 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising providing illumination areas of a first selection of color(s) not constituting all colors and/or size and/or geometry of the image.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the first selection of color(s) is a single color.
 19. The method according to claim 16, further comprising changing the degree of illumination of at least a portion of the body structure.
 20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of illuminating occurs from below the body structure. 